Multimodal Diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniosis in a Dog Relocated from Italy to Romania: A Case Report

Canine leishmaniosis is a chronic vector-borne parasitic zoonosis caused predominantly by Leishmania infantum in Europe, with dogs being the main domestic reservoir. Diagnosis may be challenging in countries where the disease is less frequently suspected, particularly in relocated dogs from endemic regions. This case report describes an integrated diagnostic approach for canine leishmaniosis in a six-year-old male Cane Corso dog relocated from Tuscany, Italy, to north-eastern Romania. The dog was referred for progressive weight loss and poor general condition. Clinical examination revealed cachexia, muscle wasting, onychogryphosis, severe pustular pododermatitis, ulcerative lesions of the plantar pads, auricular erosions with fine scaling, nasal planum hyperkeratosis and perianal erythema. Laboratory abnormalities included moderate anaemia, marked hyperproteinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and a markedly decreased albumin-to-globulin ratio. Cytological examination of a May–Grünwald–Giemsa-stained sternal bone-marrow aspirate revealed intracellular amastigote-like forms compatible with Leishmania spp. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected using three complementary serological methods: a point-of-care rapid antibody test, IFAT and ELISA. Molecular detection of Leishmania spp. DNA was achieved by real-time PCR performed on DNA extracted from a conjunctival swab using two independent protocols, including a TaqMan-based assay targeting Leishmania spp. minicircle kDNA. Treatment consisted of meglumine antimoniate administered in combination with oral allopurinol, which was subsequently continued as long-term maintenance therapy, together with supportive treatment and ectoparasite prophylaxis. This case underscores the importance of considering canine leishmaniosis in relocated dogs with compatible clinical findings and of integrating epidemiological history with complementary diagnostic evidence, particularly in regions where the disease is infrequently encountered. From a One Health perspective, the case also highlights the relevance of surveillance in dogs relocated from endemic areas to regions where competent vectors are present and autochthonous transmission has been documented.